IntelligenceIntelligence AnalystCURRENTLY RECRUITING

As an RAF Intelligence Analyst, you will use state-of-the-art technologies to collect and interpret information, providing vital intelligence, which makes a direct and timely impact to operations around the world.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Monitor and analyse radio and electronic transmissions broadcast throughout the world

Analyse and interpret aerial or satellite imagery using high tech systems

Disseminate tailored Intelligence to commanders, aircrew or troops on the ground

Intelligence analysts are required to collate and evaluate the vast amount of information that is used in the production of useable, actionable intelligence reports and threat assessments. When not deployed on operations around the world, you will build and deliver briefings on real-time threats, as well as provide intricate details on enemy aircraft, missile systems and tactics to ensure the day-to-day training is realistic and we are prepared for the real thing.

This work requires a combination of visual-cognitive skills, intellectual attributes and practical abilities. On some units, the task requires detailed research into specialised subjects in order to assemble complex written reports and illustrative materials, while on other units the task requires rapid mental and practical work to produce brief written reports under strict time constraints.

WHY JOIN THE RAF?

Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.

TRAINING AND CAREER

TRAINING YOU’LL RECEIVE

Your career will start with a 10-week Basic Recruit Training Course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. The course is designed to help you adjust to a military environment. As well as fitness and military training, you’ll also learn about the RAF lifestyle.

SPECIALIST TRAINING

The next step is a 16-week course in the fundamentals of Intelligence at the Joint Intelligence Training Group, Chicksands in Bedfordshire. The course is designed to give you: a good understanding of the sources of intelligence (such as imagery and communications), the techniques for processing intelligence, and the skills to disseminate the intelligence effectively through either written/graphical means or delivering a briefing. The course also covers the roles of UK intelligence organisations and the RAF intelligence structure. You will also learn about IT applications and research techniques, before consolidating your training by completing a final exercise. You will also complete an RAF Higher Apprenticeship in Intelligence Operations that will allow you to gain civilian accredited qualifications. This is the only Level 4 Apprenticeship offered by the RAF.

You might support the Station Intelligence Officer working in a team to produce current operational intelligence reports for a commander. Alternatively, you could support the Squadron Intelligence Officer on a frontline flying squadron, providing tactical mission support to aircrew.

Following this consolidation period, you will undertake further specialist training in imagery or signals. As an imagery specialist, your duties are likely to concern the production of imagery-derived intelligence and target materials.

As a signals specialist, your employment could include Electronic Warfare and using the latest computer-assisted search receivers for the analysis of more complex and technically demanding communications systems. Those selected for ELINT (Electronic Intelligence) specialisation will complete courses that include modules in Weapon Systems and appropriate computer applications for the analysis of radar emissions. You could undertake further training in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Management Targeting Human Intelligence Cyber.

You will move jobs every 3-5 years developing your experience as an Intelligence Analyst and RAF Airman. As an imagery specialist, your duties are likely to concern the production of imagery-derived intelligence and target materials.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER PROSPECTS/PROGRESSION

You will initially join the RAF for a period of twelve years. Promotion to Senior Aircraftsman (SAC) is after 12 months in Service (from date of attestation) and successful completion of relevant Trade Ability Tests. Further promotions are as vacancies become available and are competitive at all ranks.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

The qualifications you can earn and experience you will gain are as valuable in the civilian world as they are in the RAF, which means that whenever you decide to leave the RAF, you will be well placed to find a job in a number of fields including analytical work, research, media, information technology and the Civil Service. As you move up through the ranks you will gain a great deal of management and leadership experience, which you will have the opportunity to develop into related civilian qualifications. We will give you the confidence to succeed in whatever you choose to do.

TRAINING AND CAREER

INITIAL TRAINING

Your training will start with a Basic Recruit Training Course consisting of 4 weekends at your chosen RAF Reserves Squadron, followed by a 15-day residential training course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. This training course will prepare you for life in one of the most respected military forces in the world; it is also designed to help you tune into the military environment and way of life. As well as military training, you will learn about the core values, code of conduct and history of the RAF, as well as its unique lifestyle.

SPECIALIST TRAINING

The next step is the Operational Air Intelligence Course (Reserve), which is a 39 day course split over 11 months. It consists of 11 training weekends and a 15 day block at the Joint Intelligence Training Group (JITG), Chicksands in Bedfordshire. The course is designed to train you as an Intelligence Analyst and gives you an understanding of the different sources of intelligence, such as Imagery Intelligence and Open Source Intelligence. The course also teaches the techniques for processing intelligence and the skills required to disseminate intelligence effectively, either through written or graphical means or by delivering an intelligence briefing. The course covers the roles of UK intelligence organisations and the RAF intelligence structure within the wider MOD. You will also learn about IT applications and research techniques.

You could be employed in a Headquarters assisting with the production of current operational intelligence reports and briefings for the Station Commander, or you could be assisting the Squadron Intelligence Officer on a frontline flying squadron, by providing tactical mission support to aircrew. You could be required to analyse information and generate reports for the intelligence departments of National and partner organisations. Working on high-tech systems, you could develop graphics and produce intelligence that will be used to help plan military operations, or you could carry out extensive background research to contribute to more detailed strategic reports. There will also be opportunities for you to complete other specialist courses in intelligence, including Electronic Warfare, Targeting and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR).

Commitment and location

You will have to commit to a minimum of 27 days per year for an initial period of up to 12 years minimum.

Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises.

You will be presented with opportunities to deploy to a UK or overseas base for up to 12 months after you have completed your trade training.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

ALL APPLICANTS MUST:

Have been a citizen of the United Kingdom since birth.

Be aged between 17½ and 36 years old.

ALL APPLICANTS MUST:

Have been a citizen of the United Kingdom since birth.

Be aged between 18 and 54 years old.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Have these minimum grades:

GCSE

GCSE 2017

SNE

Mathematics

C

Grade 4

Grade 5

English Language

C

Grade 4

Grade 5

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

You must be a UK citizen since birth.

You must have resided in the UK for 7 years immediately prior to application.

Your parents/spouse must currently have UK citizenship.

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. To check your fitness levels, we put every candidate through two or three separate fitness tests as part of the application process: Selection Fitness Test, Pre-joining Fitness Test or Pre-recruit Training Course. How fit you need to be to pass these tests can vary depending on role, age and gender.

Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew.

Get in touch if you have any questions about the health criteria, or would like to find out if any additional health requirements apply to your role of interest.

DURING YOUR APPLICATION:

The Medical Risk Assessment that all candidates undergo is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required by the RAF. Your application will be rejected if you fail to meet the minimum acceptable medical standard for entry. Your medical history is confidential and is not disclosed to those not authorised to hold this information.

BACKGROUND CHECKS

YOU MUST:

Declare any previous spent and unspent convictions

Check if you qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 through this summary

Have a basic background check to get Security Check level clearance

DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

YOU CAN'T APPLY FOR THE RAF IF YOU:

Have been or are a member of a group that stirs up racial hatred and violence

Are waiting to appear in court, or have unspent convictions. You may also have to declare spent convictions for certain roles

Misuse drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. But each case is considered upon its own merits

Have tattoos, brands or bead implants that are obscene or offensive. All tattoos must not be visible above the neck collar or below the sleeve cuff while wearing uniform

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. To check your fitness levels, we put every candidate through a Pre-joining Fitness Test. How fit you need to be to pass this test can vary depending on role, age and gender.

Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew.

Get in touch if you have any questions about the health criteria, or would like to find out if any additional health requirements apply to your role of interest.

DURING YOUR APPLICATION:

The Medical Risk Assessment that all candidates undergo is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required by the RAF. Your application will be rejected if you fail to meet the minimum acceptable medical standard for entry. Your medical history is confidential and is not disclosed to those not authorised to hold this information.

BACKGROUND CHECKS

YOU MUST:

Declare any previous spent and unspent convictions

Check if you qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 through this summary

Have a basic background check to get Security Check level clearance

DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

YOU CAN'T APPLY FOR THE RAF IF YOU:

Have been or are member of a group that stirs up racial hatred and violence

Are waiting to appear in court, or have unspent convictions. You may also have to declare spent convictions for certain roles

Misuse drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. But each case is considered upon its own merits

Have tattoos, brands or bead implants that are obscene or offensive. All tattoos must not be visible above the neck collar or below the sleeve cuff while wearing uniform

Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up

Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt

If you don’t have any of the above, you might still be able to apply. For more information contact your local AFCO.

GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

Apply here and receive an email that invites you to your full online application.